Wash Your Dog – a Basic “How To”

Unlike humans, dogs do not require a bath every other day. However, man’s best friend still loathes bathing time. Since dogs are often afraid of being washed, it is important to help your dog associate bath time with pleasant experiences. A good trick is giving your dog a small treat before and after all baths.

With this tactic he will eventually learn to anticipate bath time. It is also advisable to train your dog to get used to the shower while he is still a puppy. Herein is a simple guide on how to go about washing your dog.

HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD WASH YOUR DOG.

The frequency of your dog baths depend on the size, breed, type of coat and how active your dog is. Generally, larger dogs require much frequent washing than smaller dogs. Dogs that play outside most of the time should be washed more often than those that are mainly indoors. If you own a dog with long hair, you will have to wash him more frequently than someone with a shot-haired dog.

Ideally, dogs should be washed about once a month for optimum health. It is about the time that they start to produce a bad odor. It is important to note that if your dog develops any infection, he should be washed. However, if you wash your dog too often you cause skin irritation. As a result, you will notice him scratching himself a lot.

For those with a long haired dog, it is advisable to brush him regularly. This serves to keep him cleaner in between baths. Additionally, this practice promotes good skin and coat health.

PREPARE THE BATHING AREA.

The ideal place to wash a dog is your bathtub for large or medium sized dogs. If you have a smaller dog then a sizeable sink will do just fine. You can also wash him outside on your lawn to make the activity more fun for the dog.

The bottom of the bathtub or sink must be lined with a non-slipping surface such as a studded bathing mat. Accidental slipping may cause serious injuries to your dog. Generally, the bathing area should be enclosed to prevent your dog from running away.

PREPARE THE ITEMS NEEDED.

To simplify the bathing process and make it move as fast as possible, it is important to have all necessary tools at hand. Pausing in mid wash to get something will often make your dog hate bath time. The items you will need to wash your dog include dog shampoo, towels, dog comb, wash cloth, cotton and a shower head or hose for rinsing.

Remember to choose the appropriate shampoo; this point cannot be stressed enough. There are numerous shampoos specially designed for washing dogs. A good shampoo should have mostly natural ingredients. Never use human shampoo on your dog as this may foster the growth of parasites and bacteria.

PREPARE AND WASH YOUR DOG.

Before a bath, you should brush your dog’s fur to detangle it. This is particularly important for dogs with long hair. Place cotton balls in your dog’s ears but not too deep. Dogs’ ears are easily infected when they get wet. Remember to trim your dog’s claws before the bath to avoid self-inflicted injuries due to anxiety.

Adjust the temperature of the bath to a desirable warm level. The water should not be too hot or cold as either extreme may prove harmful to your dog. Wet the dog’s body from the neck going down. You should not wash your dog’s face as the shampoo irritates his eyes and nose.

Cleaning your dog’s face can be done with a wet and soft cloth, carefully wiping away any dirt. Next apply the shampoo to an even lather and massage throughout his coat. Wash all parts and folds on the dog’s body. The dog shampoo should be left to sit in as instructed on the bottle.

RINSE AND DRY YOUR DOG.

All of the shampoo must be rinsed off from your dog, especially for long haired dogs. Residues in the fur can cause skin infections. Avoid pouring water on your dog’s face when rinsing. Finally, pat your dog dry and take care not to rub him with the towel. Better yet, you can use a hair dryer to fasten up the process.

It is generally recommended that your dog’s ears be cleaned by a licensed pet groomer. These professionals may also help clear up tear buildup in the dog’s eyes. Remember to keep bath time a fun activity for your dog.